How easy is it to get to the transfer case? I don't have access to a lift, but if I can get in there with my jack and see what the connection is like to the solenoid, I think I could come up with something for us xi guys to solve this little problem while still being able to use our wipers. It probably would be pretty cheap too. I would just fool the computer into thinking the solenoid is connected. This would be so awesome. I wonder how that would work with the traction control since it actively transfers power to the front/back when needed?

How easy is it to get to the transfer case? I don't have access to a lift, but if I can get in there with my jack and see what the connection is like to the solenoid, I think I could come up with something for us xi guys to solve this little problem while still being able to use our wipers. It probably would be pretty cheap too. I would just fool the computer into thinking the solenoid is connected. This would be so awesome. I wonder how that would work with the traction control since it actively transfers power to the front/back when needed?

FYI, I am an electrical design engineer.

It shouldn't be too hard to reach the wiring of the t case. If you were local, I'd have you experiment with mine.

Who in PA has an Xi that would be willing to lend this man some hours with the car?

It should be easy, I think that's the only place they would reason to put the wiring, unless they tucked it in somewhere.

Best bet it to take a look at it. You'd be doing us Xi guys all a favor, and I'd have no problem donating to your cause

Its funny because I have actually been thinking about doing something like this for over a year now and haven't logged onto this forum in a long time. It all started when I saw a $17K suzuki that had the option of being AWD, RWD, or 4-wheel drive, and my $50K BMW can only be AWD. I log on today and see this thread up and now I have all the motivation I need to get this done. I got a great idea that is a simple solution that I think would work, especially after seeing that you can remove a fuse to get this done, minus the windshield wiper problem. It would be switchable between RWD and AWD.

Now for another question, does anyone foresee any problems with the computer thinking that it can control power between the front and back and not being able to in regards to the traction control system? My solution would not automatically disable the traction control like pulling the fuse.

Its funny because I have actually been thinking about doing something like this for over a year now and haven't logged onto this forum in a long time. It all started when I saw a $17K suzuki that had the option of being AWD, RWD, or 4-wheel drive, and my $50K BMW can only be AWD. I log on today and see this thread up and now I have all the motivation I need to get this done. I got a great idea that is a simple solution that I think would work, especially after seeing that you can remove a fuse to get this done, minus the windshield wiper problem. It would be switchable between RWD and AWD.

Now for another question, does anyone foresee any problems with the computer thinking that it can control power between the front and back and not being able to in regards to the traction control system? My solution would not automatically disable the traction control like pulling the fuse.

If this solution allows 100% RWD without losing any other features that aren't obviously affected by not having AWD (hopefully being able to keep brake assist, stability control etc., and not setting any crazy lights) then I will be first in line for this and a LSD for the rear.

Market this product to a vendor who sells LSD's and you will both benefit.

Its funny because I have actually been thinking about doing something like this for over a year now and haven't logged onto this forum in a long time. It all started when I saw a $17K suzuki that had the option of being AWD, RWD, or 4-wheel drive, and my $50K BMW can only be AWD. I log on today and see this thread up and now I have all the motivation I need to get this done. I got a great idea that is a simple solution that I think would work, especially after seeing that you can remove a fuse to get this done, minus the windshield wiper problem. It would be switchable between RWD and AWD.

Now for another question, does anyone foresee any problems with the computer thinking that it can control power between the front and back and not being able to in regards to the traction control system? My solution would not automatically disable the traction control like pulling the fuse.

While you're in there, could you make the "switch" be the button I mentioned earlier in this post? The button by the passenger heated seat.

While you're in there, could you make the "switch" be the button I mentioned earlier in this post? The button by the passenger heated seat.

Sure thing. I was thinking of a way to incorporate that, hopefully it wont be too difficult. I always wondered why they put so many buttons down there for me to just use 3 of them (heated seats and hill descent).

But I will try not to get too far ahead of myself, I guess I need to make sure this will work first before I get everyone's hopes up. Hopefully I will know in the next couple of weeks once I get digging and get a couple parts ordered. I will be sure to keep everyone updated.

Sure thing. I was thinking of a way to incorporate that, hopefully it wont be too difficult. I always wondered why they put so many buttons down there for me to just use 3 of them (heated seats and hill descent).

But I will try not to get too far ahead of myself, I guess I need to make sure this will work first before I get everyone's hopes up. Hopefully I will know in the next couple of weeks once I get digging and get a couple parts ordered. I will be sure to keep everyone updated.

Have you actually ever USED hill descent? i have it in my XI and i still can't figure out what use it actually has.

I think someone should make a post or Master list of all the "cons" of pulling the fuse so that someone coming in can just see it and decide,

i know i read a few "cons" like speedo not working, traction control turned off, wipers go crazy, dash board turns x-mas tree but we should make a true list of what the actual effects are of going RWD by the fuse. preferably made by someone who has done it themselves and not just ones that have read through the postings

I think someone should make a post or Master list of all the "cons" of pulling the fuse so that someone coming in can just see it and decide,

i know i read a few "cons" like speedo not working, traction control turned off, wipers go crazy, dash board turns x-mas tree but we should make a true list of what the actual effects are of going RWD by the fuse. preferably made by someone who has done it themselves and not just ones that have read through the postings

Not sure if this will apply here or not, but my xi wasn't working properly (no 4x4, abs, dsc). Car acted just like 2wd w/o abs, dsc. I used DIS to read the car and errors and it came up as transfer case (VTG) not coded (how in the world it ended up not coded is a surprise to me, although car was in an accident and maybe that knocked it out, go figure). So, I used SSS (see coding forums, particularly bimmerforums) to code my car. SSS coded my car just fine and now 4x4, DSC, and ABS work.

Anyway, I'm throwing this out there because if a switch is put in the transfer case wiring, the car may read it as non-functioning and shut off abs and dsc. Not sure if it will or not, but just a thought. I hope this switch works though!

I think someone should make a post or Master list of all the "cons" of pulling the fuse so that someone coming in can just see it and decide,

i know i read a few "cons" like speedo not working, traction control turned off, wipers go crazy, dash board turns x-mas tree but we should make a true list of what the actual effects are of going RWD by the fuse. preferably made by someone who has done it themselves and not just ones that have read through the postings

Cons are as stated:

Wipers: consistently on. There's a fix: turn off the car and turn it back on. Now the wipers are off, but cannot be activated again until the fuse is replaced.

Speedometer: that is dead.

Signal: turn signals are not self cancelling anymore, due to the steering position sensor being deactivated.

ABS: This is out, and I mean out. I stomped on the brakes to test and caught all 4 wheels in lock. I don't recommend on public roads.

AWD: the obvious, this doesnt work. And its an open diff with no intervention from DTC meaning one wheel can spin to its hearts desire. Proven with experimentation.